Former Monaco player Victor Ikpeba has closely observed the Super Eagles team as they prepare to face Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in the upcoming International Friendly Week, Soccernet.ng reported.
José Peceiro has selected a 22-man squad for the international friendly match in Portugal as part of the preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ikpeba, who won 31 caps for the Super Eagles and scored many goals for the team, believes Peseiro’s men will be able to take some control of the match against the formidable Arab team.
At the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia defeated the world champions 2-1 and proved to be a strong team.
Ikpeba believes Nigeria will be a strong opponent for him, but he also believes the Super Eagles have a good chance considering the quality of players in Nigeria’s midfield.
“If you look at the midfield, we have a variety of players such as Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyedika who plays for Brentford. I think we have a chance in attack,” he said. Ta.
Nigeria’s victory over Sao Tome and Principe to earn their ticket to AFCON has boosted their confidence and the former Olympic Eagle believes the 2013 AFCON champions can be a threat in the tournament.
p>
“I think we can be a threat in the next Nations Cup, but there are still concerns in terms of defense and goalkeeping. But hats off to the NFF. This international weekend This is your chance to keep your boys busy
“It will be an honorable match against Saudi Arabia. I think this is the second time we will play against Saudi Arabia. Mozambique is the birthplace of the great Eusebio, so let’s not forget that Let’s do it. It’s a country where soccer is popular in Africa,” he continued.
Ikpeba also believes that this friendly will strengthen the team’s bonds and give Peseiro an opportunity to test the abilities of his new players.
“So these two games are an opportunity for the players to bond and for (José) Peceiro to test the new players,” he said.
So far, 20 players have taken part in the camp, preparing for the matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique on October 13th and 16th, with the aim of building on previous successes .
